There’s a rush of business at Bar 86 in Old Town after midnight, after most of Old Town’s nightlife has died down.

Business is in full-swing at Alexandria’s newest speakeasy. By day, the venue is home to French bistro Café du Soleil, serving coffee, croissants and crepes. But at 5 p.m., a transformation occurs. The business closes, dim green lightbulbs are installed and tables are rearranged and set for 6 p.m. evening service at 215 S. Union Street.


Get your Santa hat ready, because the Del Ray Pop-Up Bar plans to reopen with a Christmas-themed “Joy on the Avenue” concept in two weeks.

The bar aims to return during the weekend of Friday, Nov. 21 at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue, replacing its spooky “Nightmare on the Avenue” pop-up that closed after Halloween, owner Bill Blackburn told ALXnow.


From the annual Alexandria Film Festival to free crafting, author events and a sold-out Banned Book Speakeasy, this fall weekend in Alexandria is packed with plenty of interesting activities. Catch an independent film, try a candle-making workshop or attend Sunday morning jazz brunch.

Discover all that’s happening in your community this weekend (Nov. 7-9), from events and entertainment to live music and more. 


Phoenix is a “super sweet, friendly and gentle” pup who loves running, playing fetch and settling in for a good cuddle.

The resident pooch at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is searching for a forever family to accompany on “woodsy weekend field trips,” according to an AWLA volunteer. She’s two years old, about 74 pounds and never seen without her “fanciest white dancing boots.”


The 19th annual Alexandria Film Festival kicks off this weekend with over 60 film screenings in store, from immersive documentaries to experimental films.

Three days of screenings start tomorrow (Friday) and run until Sunday, Nov. 9. Tickets cost $16.79 at each venue, while an all-festival pass costs $85. Federal workers affected by the government shutdown may also receive complimentary tickets at the box office with a valid government ID, while supplies last.


A longtime boutique in Old Town is getting ready to spread some wintery holiday cheer in the week following Halloween.

Red Barn Mercantile is hosting its annual Holiday Unveiling at 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday) at 1117 King Street. The festive gathering will reveal a “winter wonderland” of new holiday decorations and gifts at the boutique, along with complimentary treats and party favors.


Five Alexandria eateries are highlighted in Northern Virginia Magazine’s new list of the area’s top 50 restaurants.

The magazine’s food critics highlighted Alexandria restaurants offering Italian, modern American and Mesoamerican fusion food in their annual list, released late last month. Here’s a look at the city’s featured spots.


The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra is providing free concert tickets to federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

The promotion extends to the orchestra’s “Mozart & Mendelssohn” concert at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, as well as a seasonal “Holiday with a Twist” concert next month. The orchestra is offering the freebies at a time “when many may need the arts most,” Executive Director George Hanson said in a release.


It was a festive Halloween in Old Town, and S. Lee Street was packed with Wicked Witches and Dorothys, superheroes and villains, fairies and giants, and ghouls and goblins.

All of S. Lee Street was shut down for the holiday tradition, with some locals spending thousands of dollars on decorations and candy.


Eighteen happy couples, some in costume, are tying the knot in a historic Old Town ballroom today (Friday) as part of a new “Hallowedding” ceremony with the Alexandria Clerk of Court.

Clerk Greg Parks and his staff donned 18th century-inspired costumes at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum to officiate the marriages, which took about 20 minutes each and came with gift bags that included local restaurant coupons, free entry to Alexandria museums and a one-night stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites on Richmond Hwy.


Halloween weekend in Alexandria brings spooky festivities aplenty this year, with haunted parties, dog-friendly celebrations, bar crawls and more.

Discover all that’s happening in your community this weekend (Oct. 31-Nov. 2), from events and entertainment to live music.


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